Before he ascended to heaven, Jesus raised his hands and blessed his disciples. This posture and act of Jesus are very distinct ones that we also find in the Old Testament. Why did Jesus do this?

“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears” (Heb. 5:7). Jesus was tempted, more fiercely than we ever will be tempted. The pull on him to sin was relentless, ferocious. What do we learn about Jesus’ love for us from his loud, fervent, and tearful prayers?

A priest is a go-between, someone who represents God before humanity, and humanity before God. A go-between is needed because God is holy, and we are not.